Family denies ransom demand behind the theft of former Cyprus president’s body

Family denies receiving ransom demand

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Cyprus’ justice minister has ruled out a political motive for the bodysnatching of the island nation’s former president Tassos Papadopoulos, saying that a ransom demand had been made — but a spokesman for the family denies that any family member had received such a demand.

Minister Loucas Louca said Tuesday that Papadopoulos’ family had received a demand for ransom for the return of the body, which was stolen from its grave on Nicosia’s southern outskirts in December. But family spokesman Vassilis Palmas refuted Loucas’ statement, telling The Associated Press that the family received no such demand.

A body discovered at a Nicosia cemetery Monday night has been confirmed by DNA testing to be that of Papadopoulos.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus’ justice minister has ruled out a political motive for the bodysnatching of the island nation’s former president, saying that a ransom demand had been made.

Minister Loucas Louca said Tuesday that Tassos Papadopoulos’ family had received a demand for ransom for the return of the body, which was stolen from its grave on Nicosia’s southern outskirts in December. He did not say when the demand was made, but said no ransom was paid.

A body discovered at a Nicosia cemetery late Monday night has been confirmed by DNA testing to be that of Papadopoulos.